Bridich said Colorado’s decision not to pick up left Brett Anderson’s $12 million option, coupled with arm issues surrounding right-handers Tyler Chatwood and Jhoulys Chacin, makes it imperative that the club explores options.

“Letting Brett Anderson depart, and some of the other unsure things going on, we are going to have to address that,” Bridich said.

He added that the Rockies will be creative in their search.

“I’m not going to say that we are going to go sign some big-time Japanese pitcher, or that we are going to find somebody embedded in Cuba, but we are going to keep all our avenues open,” he said.

Tulo talk. Baseball fans in New York might be in a Tulo state of mind, but there are is no traction to rumors that the Rockies’ star shortstop will end up being traded to the Mets or the Yankees.

Reports surfaced Monday that the Mets are having internal discussions about making at run at Troy Tulowitzki. However, a major-league source close to the situation said the Rockies have not engaged in talks with the Mets regarding Tulo. That doesn’t completely rule out a potential deal, but one does not appear close with the Mets or any other team.

The shortstop has long been rumored to be interested in playing for the Yankees and replacing his idol, Derek Jeter. But another major-league source with close ties to the Yankees said he didn’t think that deal would happen.

“I doubt it. (The Yankees) aren’t going to be spending that much money,” the source said.

Tulowitzki, coming off surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip, will make $20 million this season. He’s scheduled to make $118 million through 2020.

The Mets on Monday signed outfielder/first baseman Michael Cuddyer to a two-year, $21 million deal after Cuddyer rejected the Rockies’ one-year qualifying offer of $15.3 million. Still, Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said the Mets are likely to pursue a shortstop.

“We are pretty happy we addressed one of our biggest needs, and though we sacrificed a draft pick (to sign Cuddyer), we didn’t give up any of our current talent,” he said. “I think we are still in a good position to make some moves here and at the winter meetings. We are looking to improve the team in some areas. That is well known.”

Footnotes. Bridich said outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, rehabbing from surgery to repair damage to the patella tendon in his left knee, is recovering very well. … Various reports surfaced Monday that the Tampa Bay Rays are close to trading right-hander Jeremy Hellickson to a National League team. The Rockies showed some interest in Hellickson in the past but are not targeting him now.

WASHINGTON — Thirty games into the 82-game NHL season, and nearly six weeks after the Matt Duchene trade, Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic discussed the state of his team before Tuesday’s 5-2 loss at the Washington Capitals.